Functional analyses and affinity-alteration of receptors and enzymes based on membrane recruitment of yeast guanine nucleotide-binding protein gamma subunit

To investigate fundamental processes conserved in all eukaryotic cells, the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has being widely used as a model organism. In particular, the yeast two-hybrid system is a powerful technique for analyzing protein–protein interactions and protein function in living cells. Here, we describe several approaches for investigating and regulating the activity of target proteins using the yeast guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G-protein) signaling machinery as the readout. These approaches are rapid and easy-to-use tools that support the design of regulatory factors against receptors, enzymes, and other proteins that have been identified as potential drug target molecules.